Amazing Changes - Breeding Plumage

[NorthernFocus]

Another capture that I made while down south last week was of a horned grebe. In winter they are a non-descript, monochromatic little diving seabird. But in spring when they come to Alaska to breed, they are beautiful.

Non-breeding colors.



During breeding season.

[Shadowman]

Nice color capture.

[bnnrcn]

Wow ! What a difference. They are both very nice images

[IzzieK]

Connect that mood to courting and flirting in humans, aren't they of the same mode -- always trying to be beautiful to catch the eye of the intended beholder of their beauty? I like both of them, but #2 cuts the cake for me here.

[Stagecoach]

Great capture Dan with that complimentary water colour.

[DonnaK]

The low angles on these shots really show the details. The head-on second shot is stunning. You were low and captured what the female would see. She would be so in love with that handsome stud.

[Dusty]

Superb images.

[chauncey]

I need an education...I was taught that it's the female that has, and retains the bland colors, and...
it's the male that develops the outlandish colors. You seem to be suggesting that both birds are male?

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for all the comments. Glad you enjoyed the photos.

Connect that mood to courting and flirting in humans, aren't they of the same mode....

Indeed similar behaviors, Izzie. And we use about the same amount of brain as a bird during that time

... You were low and captured what the female would see. She would be so in love with that handsome stud.

Totally irresistible, no doubt

Donna, I visited your site and you have some amazing stuff in there. Fly fishing and photography? Your hubby hit the lottery...

I hope to also join the ranks of the previously employed later this year and spend more time fishing and shooting with my bride. Fishing for her, photography for me. She's only half way there... so far

[NorthernFocus]

I need an education...I was taught that it's the female that has, and retains the bland colors, and...
it's the male that develops the outlandish colors. You seem to be suggesting that both birds are male?

Actually grebes are way ahead of us in the current trend for a genderless society. Both mom and dad wear the crazy head dress in spring, they both sit on the nest, both feed the young, etc. Perhaps an expert birder can tell them apart but at a given time of year they both look the same to me.

[Krawuntzel]

I need an education...I was taught that it's the female that has, and retains the bland colors, and...
it's the male that develops the outlandish colors. You seem to be suggesting that both birds are male?

In "our" european horned grebes (I do not know whether they are different in different parts of the world) the colours of both male and females are the same; very attractive in breeding as shown in this extraordinary picture by Dan. The only difference being, that females are a little bit smaller than males.
Dan I thank you for showing us both "stages" of the bird.
Erwin

[Brownbear]

Breathtakingly beautiful, as always... (your images) And also the duck

[Barbara Ponder]

Wonderful shots! I learn something every time I visit here. Thanks for the education!

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you folks enjoyed the images. Nature provides and endless supply of wonders.

[Bobobird]

Excellent as usual.

[DonnaK]

Thanks for all the comments. Glad you enjoyed the photos.

Indeed similar behaviors, Izzie. And we use about the same amount of brain as a bird during that time


Totally irresistible, no doubt

Donna, I visited your site and you have some amazing stuff in there. Fly fishing and photography? Your hubby hit the lottery...

I hope to also join the ranks of the previously employed later this year and spend more time fishing and shooting with my bride. Fishing for her, photography for me. She's only half way there... so far

You will find that your really, really love retirement, Dan. We sure do. Your wife may warm up to photography when you have more time to be together, but if not, fishing is a great way to spend the day

[Wavelength]

Superb images

[Whistletown Wilds]

Nothing to say but, Perfection , amazing light on #2 !